External Column Turret

The LMC external column turret design is an amalgamation of the external cantilever turret and the internal turret design. 

The external column turret allows for higher loads to be taken by the mooring system, for the same equivalent turret steel weight.  This is because the horizontal loads are mainly carried at the lower plane bearings. 

By essentially creating an internal turret design on the bow of the vessel, LMC has allowed for the tank space that would otherwise have been utilised for the internal turret to be available, therefore increasing the capacity of the vessel.

Another advantage of the external column turret when compared to a cantilever turret is that the swivel stack and turret equipment are closer to the bow of the vessel, reducing the accelerations and hence loadings, and also allowing for easier access for inspection and operations.